A panel of nominators from across the globe have this month begun the search for the first five Earthshot Prize winners, the new “environmental Oscars” launched
by Britain's Prince William last month.
The awards, intended to run annually until 2030, are aimed at finding solutions to the world's greatest environmental problems — and each winner will receive a £1-million (about R20.6-million) prize.
The name “Earthshot” was inspired by US President John F Kennedy's “Moonshot”, which — with the goal of putting humans on the moon — catalysed the development of new technology in the 1960s.
This goal, however, is centred around five “Earthshots” or aims for the planet: restoring nature; cleaning the air; reducing waste; reviving the oceans; and stopping climate change.
As stated on earthshotprize.org, the awards will go to anyone — individuals, teams, businesses, activists, community projects, or even governments — whose “evidence-based solutions make a substantial contribution to achieving the Earthshots”.
The first five winners (one in each category) will be named at a ceremony in London next year and the money will go towards supporting their projects.
